Company Formation in Turkey | Complete Guide for Foreign Investors

Establishing a company in Turkey is a straightforward process regulated under the Turkish Commercial Code (Law No. 6102) and overseen by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade. Both local and foreign investors follow the same rules, and thanks to the MERSİS (Central Registration System), the entire registration process can be completed quickly — often within a single day.

In this guide, we will walk you through the types of companies, required documents, registration steps, taxation issues, and practical insights that foreign entrepreneurs should know.

Types of Companies in Turkey

There are five main types of companies under Turkish law:

• Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.)
• Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.)
• Collective Company
• Limited Partnership
• Cooperative

Among these, the limited company and joint stock company are by far the most common. According to official data, nearly 82% of businesses in Turkey are limited companies, while 13% are joint stock companies.

Key Steps of Company Establishment

The company formation process in Turkey involves several legal and administrative steps:

1. Preparation of Articles of Association through MERSİS.
2. Obtaining a Tax Number for foreign shareholders.
3. Certification of Signatures of company founders and directors.
4. Payment of Competition Authority Fee (0.04% of share capital).
5. Deposit of Minimum Capital (for joint stock companies, 25% must be paid before registration).
6. Application to Trade Registry Directorate with required documents.

Detailed breakdown is available in our guide on Steps to Establish a Company in Turkey.

Required Documents

The documents vary depending on the type of company. In general, you will need:

• Approved Articles of Association
• Signature declarations of authorized representatives
• Bank receipt showing Competition Authority fee is paid
• Proof of capital deposit (if applicable)
• For foreign shareholders: notarized and translated passport copies and tax registration

You can review the full list in our article: Documents for Company Registration in Turkey.

Minimum Capital Requirements

• Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.): Minimum capital of 50,000 TL (100,000 TL if registered capital system is used).
• Limited Company (Ltd. Şti.): Minimum capital of 10,000 TL.
• Collective and Partnerships: No minimum capital required.
• Cooperatives: Each partner must commit at least one share valued at 100 TL.

Read more in: Minimum Capital Requirements in Turkey.

Audit, Share Transfer and Liquidation

• Audit: Certain companies must undergo independent auditing if they exceed thresholds for assets, turnover, or employees. More info: Company Audit in Turkey.
• Share Transfer: Rules differ for joint stock and limited companies. Learn the full process: Share Transfer in Turkish Companies.
• Liquidation: Companies can be dissolved voluntarily or through bankruptcy. For details: Liquidation of a Company in Turkey.

Foreign Companies & Cross-Border Issues

Foreign investors can either establish a new company or open a branch in Turkey.

• Branch Registration: See Foreign Company Branch in Turkey.
• Relocation Abroad: A Turkish company can move its headquarters abroad. Guide: Moving a Turkish Company Abroad.
• Relocation to Turkey: Foreign companies can transfer their headquarters to Turkey. See Moving a Foreign Company to Turkey.

Why Work with a Legal Advisor?

Although Turkey offers a fast and investor-friendly company formation system, legal complexities (such as shareholder rights, tax planning, or compliance with labor law) require professional guidance. At MFY Legal | Law Firm, we assist clients with every stage from preparing documents to completing registration and ensuring compliance.

Contact us today to start your company formation process in Turkey with confidence.